Blueprint Reading Course - Residential Construction

Self-paced online training with expert support

Learn the fundamentals of blueprint reading for residential construction, from understanding drawing types to interpreting complex construction documents, to gain a solid foundation for your career in the construction industry.

$279 10 clock hours 3 weeks

This Course Includes:

  • 10 hours of project-based training from experts
  • 58 training videos
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution

Learn to read blueprints. "Blueprint" is the historic name for construction documents. Contractors build the design and follow the drawings included in the set of "blueprints."

This Introduction to Blueprint Reading course is taught by a licensed architect. Starting at the very beginning, you will learn about drawing types, scale and the interrelationships between drawings and how project information is conveyed in a set of construction documents.

Many people in the construction industry can benefit professionally by learning how to read a set of blueprints, also known as construction documents (CDs).

VDCI encourages a strong online engagement. Participate in group discussion forums. Connect with your instructor and message your classmates. Join us in the VDCI Student Lounge, where our current students and alumni share information and help one another.

This blueprint reading course is designed to help trades professionals, journey people, drafters, designers and architectural & engineering interns. By the conclusion of this class, students will be able to walk themselves through a set of construction documents.

Video Training Preview

Topic 1: Blueprint Reading Basics
Topic 2: Title Sheet & Floor Plans
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Schedules
Topic 4: Wall Sections & Details
Topic 5: Structural Drawings
Topic 6: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Topic 7: Title Sheet
Topic 8: Architectural Site Plans
Topic 9: Floor Plans
Topic 10: Building Sections & Elevations
Topic 11: Interior Elevations & Roof Plan
Topic 12: Details, Schedules & Electrical

Highly Reviewed by Our Alumni

From our hands-on training style to world-class instructors and custom-crafted curriculum, we deliver results our alumni are proud of.

Blueprint Reading Course - Residential Construction is rated 5.0 stars

in the past 24 months

Very clear and wonderful instruction!

Pamela Plante

Thank you for a great experience!

Avi Schneeweiss

I love how communicative the instructor was. It helped me alot to go through with the course

Anonymous

It was fun, helpful and a great start to take the first step for a brighter and better future. Thank you

Bony Ernesto Lopez-Nicanor

I Think that this course was one of the Best most detail, in-depth and most educational courses that I ever taken.

Anonymous

I really enjoyed this course. Definitely helping me to do my job better

Kaulana Poe

It is a great course. I learned a lot, thanks guys!

Abraham Ruiz

I think this course flowed really well and was easy to follow along. I am glad I was able to take this course and even more thankful my employer wants me to gain a better understanding overall.

Candy Thaxton

I do feel as though I learned a lot and came out of the course more knowledgeable on how to read blueprints than I was before.

Stephanie Fryer

Class was very good and effiecient. Thank you!

Collin Smith

Verbal information shared during videos is clear and concise, well presented. My instructor, Derek H., was responsive and timely in providing direction, reminder date, and supportive with his availability to assist.

Chris

That this was a very informative course and I learned a lot very quickly.

Andrew McCalister

I really enjoy this course.

James

Overall the course was knowledgeable and user friendly. Thank you!

Benjamin Monen

I really enjoyed it and learned a lot!

Marvin Helms

I really enjoyed this online course. I thought the instructor was really good at teaching the course on blueprints so much that I will definitely be paying for my son to take the courses and I’ve already got my brother to take the classes! We are all in the construction industry I can’t wait to start the commercial blueprint course.

Michael Whiting

I appreciated the logical flow. Very clear, easy to follow, and understand.

Andrew Dodson

Highly informative. Well-paced. Clear presentation of facts.

Nick

Excellent entry level course that is relevant to everyone in the AEC industry.

Luis

This course has been very well organized and user-friendly.

Erian Cabrera

My instructor was excellent! This course was easy to learn and follow!

Aaron Emil

This course was easy to understand and fun to learn!

Juan Carlos Cortez

Very clear and wonderful instruction!

Pamela Plante

Thank you for a great experience!

Avi Schneeweiss

set of printed construction documents
student learning civil 3d on computer
male student at computer workstation taking revit course
female student with phone

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Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction: Course Overview

What Will You Learn?

The Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction course provides students with a structured approach to interpreting construction drawings, understanding architectural symbols, and analyzing residential building plans. This course is designed to enhance skills in reading title sheets, floor plans, elevations, sections, and schedules, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.

By completing this course, you will:

  • Develop expertise in deciphering blueprint symbols, notes, and dimensioning.
  • Learn how to navigate title sheets, site plans, and architectural layouts.
  • Gain skills in analyzing elevations, building sections, and wall details.
  • Understand structural plans and their relationship to residential construction.
  • Master the interpretation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings.

Course Lessons and Projects

Topic 1: Fundamentals of Blueprint Reading

This lesson introduces students to the fundamentals of construction drawings and blueprint interpretation.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding drawing scales, symbols, and standard line types.
  • Managing dimensions, annotations, and construction notes.
  • Evaluating plan organization and drawing sequencing.
  • Coordinating different drawing sets, including architectural and engineering plans.
  • Ensuring accurate interpretation of construction documents for execution.

Project: Develop a drawing analysis report, identifying common blueprint symbols and standard notations.

Topic 2: Title Sheet & Floor Plans

Students will explore the organization of title sheets and residential floor plans.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding the purpose and layout of title sheets.
  • Managing general project information, legends, and sheet numbering systems.
  • Evaluating floor plan layouts, room dimensions, and spatial relationships.
  • Coordinating architectural annotations, wall types, and window/door placements.
  • Ensuring alignment between design intent and construction feasibility.

Project: Develop a floor plan sketch, incorporating dimensions, labels, and architectural annotations.

Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Schedules

This lesson focuses on interpreting building elevations, sections, and construction schedules.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding exterior elevation symbols, notations, and material callouts.
  • Managing cross-section views and vertical building relationships.
  • Evaluating window, door, and finish schedules for material selection.
  • Coordinating elevation details with floor plan dimensions.
  • Ensuring compliance with design specifications and construction standards.

Project: Develop an elevation drawing, ensuring proper notation and section references.

Topic 4: Wall Sections & Details

Students will explore wall section drawings and construction detailing.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding wall assemblies, insulation, and structural framing.
  • Managing building envelope details, including weatherproofing and thermal barriers.
  • Evaluating connection details for floors, walls, and roof intersections.
  • Coordinating foundation anchoring, waterproofing, and flashing details.
  • Ensuring compliance with energy efficiency and structural integrity standards.

Project: Develop a wall section detail, ensuring proper layering and assembly coordination.

Topic 5: Structural Drawings

This lesson focuses on structural plans and framing details for residential buildings.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding foundation plans, floor framing, and roof truss layouts.
  • Managing load-bearing wall identification and reinforcement requirements.
  • Evaluating steel and wood framing connections, bracing, and lateral stability.
  • Coordinating structural integration with architectural and MEP drawings.
  • Ensuring compliance with building codes and load distribution standards.

Project: Develop a structural framing plan, incorporating load paths and framing details.

Topic 6: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP)

Students will explore mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings for residential projects.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding HVAC system layouts, ductwork, and equipment placement.
  • Managing electrical panel locations, outlet placements, and lighting schedules.
  • Evaluating plumbing risers, fixture schedules, and pipe routing.
  • Coordinating fire protection measures, venting, and drainage systems.
  • Ensuring MEP compliance with local residential building codes.

Project: Develop a MEP coordination plan, ensuring proper system routing and clearances.

Topic 7: Title Sheet & Architectural Site Plans

This lesson focuses on site plans, setbacks, and residential zoning considerations.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding property lines, setback distances, and easements.
  • Managing topographic contours, grading, and drainage planning.
  • Evaluating driveway layouts, access points, and site orientation.
  • Coordinating site utilities, landscape planning, and hardscaping features.
  • Ensuring zoning compliance and environmental impact assessments.

Project: Develop a site plan, incorporating setbacks, utility connections, and grading details.

Topic 8: Building Sections & Elevations

Students will explore building cross-sections and facade elevations.

Skills Learned:

  • Understanding vertical relationships between floors, walls, and roofs.
  • Managing building massing, roof pitches, and design articulation.
  • Evaluating material transitions, facade treatments, and structural connections.
  • Coordinating section views with floor plans and elevations.
  • Ensuring design intent is maintained in structural execution.

Project: Develop a building cross-section, ensuring proper scaling and dimensioning.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for professionals and students looking to develop expertise in blueprint reading and residential construction documentation. It is suited for:

  • Students & Recent Graduates – Build expertise in residential blueprint analysis for professional applications.
  • Aspiring Architectural Drafters & Designers – Learn detailed interpretation of residential construction drawings.
  • Aspiring Construction Project Managers – Gain expertise in blueprint navigation for efficient project execution.
  • Builders & Contractors – Improve plan reading skills for residential framing and finish work.
  • Real Estate Developers & Inspectors – Strengthen knowledge of residential building components and compliance requirements.

With the increasing demand for accurate construction documentation and project execution, proficiency in Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction provides professionals with the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply construction drawings.

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